Senators split on PNoy’s plea for understanding

Senators were divided Thursday President Benigno Aquino III's appeal for understanding over the Mamasapano clash, with some saying it was already enough while others believed it was “too little, too late.”

Sen. Grace Poe welcomed the President appeal saying it could be the start to the healing process for the families of the 44 fallen Special Action Force commandos.  

“The President’s appeal for understanding coupled by his affirmation that the whole incident rests on his shoulder as President is welcome development to start the healing process particularly among the bereaved families of the fallen SAF heroes,” Poe told GMA News Online.

Sen. Francis Escudero expressed hope the public would accept the President’s recognition of his responsibility for the incident.

“Para sa akin, sapat na yon at sana matanggap at tanggapin na din ng sambayanan ang pag-ako at pagpapakumbaba ni Pangulong Aquino. Nasa kamay na ngayon ng DOJ at Ombudsman ang pagpapanagot at pagsampa ng kaso laban sa mga may pananagutan,” he said.

Sen. Ferdinand Marcos Jr, who has been urging the President to apologize over the bloody operation, was not satisfied with the appeal.

“It is too little, too late. The public and the SAF families do not want excuses, they need to know the whole truth on the part he played in Oplan Exodus,” Marcos said.

Opposition Sen. Joseph Victor Ejercito said he couldn't understand fathom why it was hard for Aquino to say sorry.

“I still cannot understand why it’s so hard for the President to just take the responsibility and apologize for what happened. Filipinos are generally very forgiving and understanding. His pride is unbelievable,” he said.

Senator Sergio Osmeña III also believed that the appeal came too late.

“Let us wait for the public reaction to the speech. Because two months have already elapsed, it may turn out to be a matter of too little, too late,” he said. —NB, GMA News